“It takes a lot more than love, treats, and toys to give your pet a happy life,” says Beth Ward, Chief Operating Officer at Humane Society Silicon Valley. “If you really love your pets or you’re thinking of adopting one, then you need to be aware of the hard costs involved.” (This quote is from the MintLife article.)

This infographic is about the lifetime costs of owning a pet.

Personally, I think it should be hung in every single rescue organization in the US. It’s effective in conveying that owning a pet isn’t just a companionship thing – it’s a financial thing, too.

According to MintLife, she continues, “Many cats and dogs can live for 20 years or more. Keeping them alive, happy, and healthy for the duration of their life requires a sustained commitment. It takes good financial planning.”